Leaf it out!

You can tell autumn has finally arrived when train companies begin warning about leaves on the line in Kent.

KMTV report on train leaves

Southeastern has announced its new timetable today and has added a few minutes to a number of journeys to cope with expected delays.

A spokesman said: "You wouldn’t think the humble leaf could cause so much trouble. But 50 million leaves fall onto our train tracks every autumn. When mixed with rain and squashed by train wheels, they form a slippery layer on the rails like black ice.

"Our drivers need more time to stop and start the trains as the wheels have less grip on the tracks."

He added: "Some morning trains will leave a few minutes earlier. Evening trains will leave London at the same time as usual but some will arrive at stations along their route a few minutes later.

"On days when we expect the weather to be at its worst, our off-peak metro services will call less frequently at some stations. These timetable changes give us the extra time we need to drive the trains safely."

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